Helicopter Operations and Rappelling

Photos capture helicopter operations, including rappelling soldiers in training and recovery efforts, emphasizing aerial capabilities and rescue techniques.

Search and Rescue Exercise US Navy

A Navy Sea King helicopter lowers a stretcher to evacuate a seriously injured walker who had fallen 250 feet on Bow Fell in the Lake District UK

U.S. Air Force Senior Airman Christian Dye, left, a tactical air control party (TACP) specialist assigned to Detachment 1, 3rd Air Support Operations Squadron, Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, conducts mountaineering training at Sunshine Ridge, Alaska, Aug. 25, 2022. The 3rd ASOS special warfare Airmen utilize Alaskas varied and austere training locations to prepare for conditions they may face on deployment.

030126-F-1443F-002. Base: Aviano Air Base State: Pordenone Country: Italy (ITA) Scene Major Command Shown: USAFE

Members of an explosive ordnance disposal (EOD) team make a static line parachute jump from an Air National Guard C-130 Hercules aircraft. Country: Unknown

U.S. Air Force tactical air control party specialists assigned to Detachment 1, 3rd Air Support Operations Squadron, Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, conduct mountaineering training at Sunshine Ridge, Alaska, July 22, 2022. The 3rd ASOS special warfare Airmen utilize Alaskas varied and austere training locations to prepare for conditions they may face on deployment.

220911-N-ZG822-1017 ADRIATIC SEA (Sep. 11, 2022) Cryptologic Technician (Maintenance) 1st Class Christopher Shonts performs required maintenance aboard the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS George H.W. Bush (CVN 77), Sep. 11, 2022 The George H.W. Bush Carrier Strike Group is on a scheduled deployment in the U.S. Naval Forces Europe area of operations, employed by U.S. Sixth Fleet to defend U.S., allied, and partner interests.

Coast Guard Personnel - Miscellaneous - 26-HK-90-241. Coast Guardsman reboarding helo after dropping off water in grassy area. Hurricane Katrina

Men, obstacles or climbing in bootcamp for fitness, army challenge or exercise endurance. Military survival, below or people in physical activity for outdoor workout, training or strength assessment

030914-F-5040D-004. Base: Mountain Home Air Force Base State: Idaho (ID) Country: United States Of America (USA) Scene Major Command Shown: ACC

US Air Force SENIOR AIRMAN Marco Talamantez, USAF STAFF Sergeant Wayne Hall, and USAF AIRMAN First Class Anthony Garcia, US Air Education and Training Command, display teamwork while carefully advancing up and over the Reverse Climb during DEFENDER CHALLENGE 2000 at Lackland Air Force Base, Texas. Defender Challenge is the Annual Air Force wide competition sponsored by Air Force Security Forces. This competition showcases the talent and capabilities of 13 international Security Forces teams in seven physical fitness, base defense, and policing skill events over 6 days. Subject Operation/Series: DEFENDER CHALLENGE 2000 Base: Lackland Air Force Base State: Texas (TX) Country: United States Of America (USA)

A U.S. Marines spouse, with Chemical Biological Incident Response Force (CBIRF), conducts rappelling operations at Annex Stump Neck, Md., Oct. 28, 2022. The operations ran under the guidance and supervision of Bravo Rescue Company and Downey Rescue Training Facility Staff.

220510-N-DW158-1024 PACIFIC OCEAN (May 10, 2022) Damage Controlman 3rd Class Rheann Hietpas from Kaukauna, Wisconsin, inspects a countermeasure wash-down sprinkler on the flight deck of the U.S. Navys only forward-deployed aircraft carrier USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76), during a test of the ships countermeasure wash-down system. The countermeasure wash-down system is used before, during, and after chemical contamination events to wash off harmful chemicals or agents on the outside of the ship. Ronald Reagan, the flagship of Carrier Strike Group 5, provides a combat-ready force that protects and defends the United States, and supports alliances, partnerships and collective maritime interests in the Indo-Pacific region.

U.S. Marine Corps 1st Lt. Bret Bippert, a platoon commander with Battalion Landing Team (BLT) 1/5, 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) climbs up the obstacle course during the BLT 1/5 Savage Games held on Camp Hansen, Okinawa, Japan April 22, 2022. BLT 1/5 held the Savage Games in order to build unit cohesion and push the limits of the individuals in their command. The 31st MEU, the Marine Corps' only continuously forward-deployed MEU, provides a flexible and lethal force ready to perform a wide range of military operations as the premier crisis response force in the Indo-Pacific region.

Xander Bianchi, a technical rigging instructor from Ouray, Colorado, carries mountain-climbing gear during mountain maneuvering training at Sunshine Ridge, Alaska, July 22, 2022. Tactical air control party specialists assigned to Detachment 1, 3rd Air Support Operations Squadron, Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, participated in this training to strengthen mission-readiness skills in mountain terrain.

A member of the Zapovjedništvo specijalnih snaga (Croatian Special Operations Forces Command) executes a military free fall (MFF) from a U.S. Air Force MC-130J Commando II assigned to the 352d Special Operations Wing near Udbina, Croatia, July 20, 2022. The MFF was part of a Joint Combined Exchange Training (JCET), which included members of the U.S. Air Forces 352d Special Operations Wing, the U.S. Armys 1st Battalion, 10th Special Forces Group (Airborne) and the ZSS. JCETs allow U.S. service members to train at the operational and tactical echelon as a combined, joint force with SOF setting the conditions for larger operations.

French Train as NATO Paratroopers at Pau. Photographs of Marshall Plan Programs, Exhibits, and Personnel

DART Exercise 2002 'Response to Terrorism'

030305-F-4230F-675. Subject Operation/Series: ENDURING FREEDOM Base: Newington State: New Hampshire (NH) Country: United States Of America (USA)

Spc. Sam Shomento, an instructor at the Mountain Training Group, 10th Mountain Division, descends a mountain in preparation for the 22-mile Hale to Vail Traverse at Camp Hale, Colorado, on Feb. 20, 2024. Digging holes to shield from the wind while eating the Cold Weather MRE and navigating mountain descents with ropes, they're primed for the challenge ahead. This training not only sharpens their capabilities but also honors our division's legacy, connecting us with the National Ski Patrol and the historic training grounds of Camp Hale, Colorado, where Alpine Soldiers prepared for combat operations during World War II. Army

POHANG, Republic of South Korea (March 27, 2023) -A U.S. Marine with Battalion Landing Team 2/4, 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit, is belayed by a Republic of Korea Marine during rope training during Ssang Yong 23. Celebrating the 70th anniversary of the U.S.-ROK Alliance, Ssang Yong 2023 strengthens the Alliance through bilateral, joint training, contributing toward the ROK’s combined defense of the Korean Peninsula and increasing the readiness of the U.S.-ROK Alliance.

020510-F-2902B-012. Subject Operation/Series: ENDURING FREEDOM Base: Bagram Airfield State: Parwan Country: Afghanistan (AFG)

Marines wearing winter camouflage prepare to board a CH-53E Super Stallion helicopter during a training exercise. Country: Unknown

June 12, 2013 - The Colorado National Guard is supporting the Black Forest fire in Colorado Springs, Colorado. UH-60 Black Hawk helicopters perform water drops using Bambi Buckets. The buckets can carry up to 500 gallons of water and make more than 20 drops before refueling.

A CH-47F Chinook helicopter flies off for additional training after dropping off equipment and supplies on Kahiltna Glacier April 27, 2022. The Sugar Bears of B Company, 1st Battalion, 52nd Aviation Regiment fly out of Talkeetna, Alaska, each spring to assist the NPS setting up a base camp for climbers attempting to summit Denali. (Army photo/John Pennell)

Guardsmen with the Alaska Army National Guards Recruit Sustainment Program high-five each other while traverse across suspended platforms at the high ropes confidence courses at Camp Carroll, Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska, June 4, 2017. The mission of the RSP is to provide support, training and mentorship to new Soldiers and assist in their introduction and training.

Aviator viewing status in Veneto 20.2.18. .

Xander Bianchi, right, a technical rigging instructor from Ouray, Colorado, and U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Jordan Falcon, a tactical air control party specialist assigned to Detachment 1, 3rd Air Support Operations Squadron, Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, establish climbing anchors during mountaineering training at Sunshine Ridge, Alaska, July 20, 2022. The 3rd ASOS special warfare Airmen utilize Alaskas varied and austere training locations to prepare for conditions they may face on deployment.

An Air Force pararescueman jumps out of the back of an HC-130 Hercules during a rescue, St. Maarten

DA-SD-05-00582. Base: Fort Mcnair State: District Of Columbia (DC) Country: United States Of America (USA)

A Czech local poses atop a 4th Infantry Division M1A2 Abrams main battle tank during Czechias NATO Days at the Leos Janacek Ostrava Airport in Ostrava, Czechia, Sept. 17, 2022. NATO Days aimed to display a wide spectrum of the Czech Republics security provisional resources and capabilities, as well as its 19 other participating allies and partners, to strengthen interoperability among the NATO countries.

A UH-1N Iroquois helicopter descends to the top of the MGM Grand Hotel as an exhausted fire fighter rests. The helicopter, 56th Fighter Weapons Wing, is involved in a mission to rescue guests from the burning hotel. Base: Las Vegas State: Nevada (NV) Country: United States Of America (USA)

An American C-141 Starlifter aircraft is off loaded at the airport with cargo to support this United Nations peacekeeping operation. Subject Operation/Series: ABLE SENTRY Base: Skopje Country: Macedonia (MKD)

madrid,30-1-2014.-visit of HRH the Prince of Asturias to the parachute brigade.-photo ernesto acute.archdc.

MUSCATATUCK, Ind. (May 10, 2022) Members of the 2nd Battalion 3rd General Support Aviation Battalion conduct a search and rescue mission in a UH60 Blackhawk helicopter as part of exercise Guardian Response (GR) 22 at Muscatatuck Urban Training Center in Muscatatuck, Indiana, May 10. GR22 is a U.S. Army Forces Command-directed external evaluation and culminating training event for U.S. Northern Commands Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear Response Enterprise consequence management entities. The exercise is focused on the Defense Support of Civil Authorities mission sets.

A Defender from the 91st Security Forces Group move on a simulated threat during Bully Vigilance, an exercise designed to test the 91st Missile Wings readiness to respond to an outside threat at Minot Air Force Base, North Dakota, Oct. 13, 2022. BV is an semi-annual command and control exercise designed to train U.S. Strategic Command forces and assess joint operational readiness.

U. S. Marine Corps recruits with Charlie Company, 1st Recruit Training Battalion, participate in the rappel tower at Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego, June 3, 2022. The rappel tower is utilized by recruits to train for fast roping and rappelling while facing an opportunity to overcome any mental blocks.

010828-F-2171A-012. Base: Luke Air Force Base State: Arizona (AZ) Country: United States Of America (USA) Scene Major Command Shown: AETC

Xander Bianchi, a technical rigging instructor from Ouray, Colorado, and U.S. Air Force Senior Airman Christian Dye, a tactical air control party specialist assigned to Detachment 1, 3rd Air Support Operations Squadron, Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, conduct mountain maneuvering training at Sunshine Ridge, Alaska, July 22, 2022. The 3rd ASOS Airmen participated in this training to strengthen mission-readiness skills in mountain terrain.

U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Alexander Caterinicchio, a tactical air control party specialist assigned to Detachment 1, 3rd Air Support Operations Squadron, Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, rappels down a rock formation during mountaineering training at Sunshine Ridge, Alaska, July 20, 2022. The 3rd ASOS special warfare Airmen utilize Alaskas varied and austere training locations to prepare for conditions they may face on deployment.

Staff Sgt. Mark McKenna 724th Expeditionary Air Base Squadron Fire and Emergency Services Flight, crew chief, rappels down into a manhole during a confined space rescue exercise, at Air Base 201, Niger, Oct. 28, 2022. The training exercise sharpened firefighters search-and-rescue skills by simulating an unconventional emergency scenario, which involved rescue and recovery of a victim trapped in a confined space.

A member of the U.S. Army Parachute Team conducts a demonstration at the 2022 Marine Corps Air Station Miramar Air Show at MCAS Miramar, California, Sept. 25, 2022. Nicknamed the Golden Knights in 1962, Golden signifies the gold medals the team won in international competitions, and Knights alludes to the teams ambition to conquer the skies. The Golden Knights perform in more than 100 events per year. The theme for the 2022 MCAS Miramar Air Show, Marines Fight, Evolve and Win, reflects the Marine Corps ongoing modernization efforts to prepare for future conflicts.

A member of the U.S. Army Parachute Team conducts a demonstration at the 2022 Marine Corps Air Station Miramar Air Show at MCAS Miramar, California, Sept. 25, 2022. Nicknamed the Golden Knights in 1962, Golden signifies the gold medals the team won in international competitions, and Knights alludes to the teams ambition to conquer the skies. The Golden Knights perform in more than 100 events per year. The theme for the 2022 MCAS Miramar Air Show, Marines Fight, Evolve and Win, reflects the Marine Corps ongoing modernization efforts to prepare for future conflicts.

A U.S. Marine with 3d Battalion, 2nd Marines, 3d Marine Division navigates an endurance course during a squad competition at the Jungle Warfare Training Center, Okinawa, Japan, May 25, 2022. The week-long competition was held to test squads from across the Marine Corps in their mastery of warfighting skills. (U.S. Marine Corps photo Lance Cpl. Michael Taggart)

U.S. Air Force Cadet First Class Cole Bitting, a demonstration team member assigned to the 98th Flying Training Squadron, parachutes through the sky over Dannelly Field, Alabama, Feb. 9, 2024. The demonstration team travels across the country to airshows, sporting events, and other venues to represent the Air Force in precision parachuting. Air Force

061127-N-5911S-001. Base: USS Boxer (LHD 4)

US Air Force SENIOR AIRMAN John McDougall (Left), of the 92nd Communications Squadron, Fairchild Air Force Base, Washington, a member of the Mobile Initial Communication Kit (MICK), and SENIOR AIRMAN Skye Robertson, of the 92nd CS, also a member of the MICK, lift a VHF line of sight antenna for local communications into place, while deployed to a forward location in the European theatre. This mission is in direct support of Joint Task Force Noble Anvil. Subject Operation/Series: NOBLE ANVIL Country: Unknown

Hurricane Katrina, New Orleans, LA, September 7, 2005 - FEMA Urban Search and Rescue members look through the windonw of a Blackhawk helicopter to search for residents in areas impacted by Hurricane Katriana. The call was one of many where an emergency call was in the system and the rescuers where checking the locations. Jocelyn Augustino/FEMA

U.S. Air Force Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps cadet tries on an Explosive Ordnance Disposal bomb suit during the static display on Marine Corps Air Station Miramar, San Diego, California, April 20, 2022. The cadets also received an obstacle course and Marine Corps Martial Art Program demonstration, visited the air traffic control tower, and saw a static display on the flight line as part of a visit to the base to familiarize them with air-station operations and everyday life in the military.

DA-ST-87-00740. Base: Karlsruhe Country: West Germany (FRG)

110922-N-TU221-075PACIFIC OCEAN (Sept. 22, 2011) A Sailor stands as a safety observer during a test of the forward catapults aboard the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72). Abraham Lincoln is underway conducting a composite training unit exercise.

Cpl. Kyle A. Alessandro, a rescue swimmer in training with Marine Transport Squadron 1, carries a search and rescue basket, during training in the Croatan National Forest, N.C., May 22. The squadron completed their annual training to keep their skills sharp for real emergencies.

Chiriqui Grande, Panama, October 5, 2010 - An amphibious assault vehicle leaves the well deck of the multi-purpose amphibious assault ship USS Iwo Jima (LHD-7). Service members aboard Iwo Jima took rides on the AAVs as an opportunity to experience an amphibious landing. Iwo Jima is supporting the Panama phase of the Continuing Promise 2010 humanitarian civic assistance mission.

Public Affairs - Rescue - 26-HK-418-45. Hurricane Katrina

Disaster Assistance Response Teams (DART) - Marine Safety Office St. Louis - 26-HK-120-6. Hurricane Katrina

A wreath is raised during a ceremony at the Berlin Airlift Memorial. Base: Rhein-Main Air Base Country: Deutschland / Germany (DEU)

Service members with Joint Task Force - Bethel assist local residents with damaged property as part of Operation Merbok Response in Toksook Bay, Alaska, Sept. 24, 2022. More than 130 members of the Alaska Organized Militia, which includes members of the Alaska National Guard, Alaska State Defense Force and Alaska Naval Militia, were activated following a disaster declaration issued Sept. 17 after the remnants of Typhoon Merbok caused dramatic flooding across more than 1,000 miles of Alaskan coastline. (Alaska National Guard photo by 1st Lt. Balinda O'Neal)

Service members with Joint Task Force - Bethel assist local residents with damaged property as part of Operation Merbok Response in Toksook Bay, Alaska, Sept. 24, 2022. More than 130 members of the Alaska Organized Militia, which includes members of the Alaska National Guard, Alaska State Defense Force and Alaska Naval Militia, were activated following a disaster declaration issued Sept. 17 after the remnants of Typhoon Merbok caused dramatic flooding across more than 1,000 miles of Alaskan coastline. (Alaska National Guard photo by 1st Lt. Balinda O'Neal)

The Idaho National Guards 101st Civil Support Team partnered with the Boise Fire Department Technical Rescue Team to participate in a ropes rescue course taught by Boise firefighters. The course, which served as an annual recertification for the CST Guardsmen, entailed two weeklong sessions for the 22-member team. The first week, Oct. 10th through the 14th, 2022, started with the classroom portion of learning about ropes rescue as a prerequisite for the hands-on portion of the training. Using what they learned about the ropes, the CST Guardsmen rappelled from tops of buildings at the Boise Fire Departments Fire Training Center. Once the Guardsmen were proficient at ropes rappelling, they practiced ropes rescues using wire rescue baskets at cliffs near the Table Rock trails in the Boise foothills to simulate a large-scale rescue of multiple people. The second weeklong training, Oct. 24th through 28th, 2022, focused on confined space rescues at Boises Lucky Peak Power Plant. The training

France, Brittany, Coetquidan, Guer on 2021-09-23. Report on the training of the Inter-Arms Military School in Saint-Cyr Coetquidan in Morbihan. The EMIA recruits its students from among active non-commissioned officers and non-commissioned soldiers selected by competition. The cadets follow a two-year training course. At the end of the first year, they are appointed to the rank of second lieutenant, then lieutenant at the end of the second year. Photograph by Martin Bertrand. France, Bretagne, Coetquidan, Guer le 2021-09-23. Reportage sur la formation de l' Ecole militaire interarmes à Saint-Cyr Coetquidan dans le Morbihan. L'EMIA recrute ses eleves parmi les sous-officiers d'active et les militaires du rang selectionnes par concours. Les eleves-officiers suivent une formation de deux ans. A l'issue de la première annee, ils sont nommés au grade de sous-lieutenant, puis de lieutenant a la fin de la seconde annee. Photographie de Martin Bertrand.

YIGO, Guam (July 19, 2022) Electronics Technician 3rd Class Simon Claypool, assigned to Maritime Expeditionary Security Group (MESG) One, Detachment Guam, launches a PUMA RQ-20 unmanned aerial vehicle to conduct currency flight hours.

U.S. Marine Corps Cpl. Anthony Orejel Jr. rides a chairlift during Korea Viper 24.1 at Pyeongchang, Republic of Korea, Feb. 14, 2024. The training teaches Marines multiple skiing techniques, mountain movement, and survival skills in an austere cold weather environment. In its first iteration, Korea Viper demonstrates the ROK-US Marine Corps ability to respond decisively in the region as a singular, unified force while strengthening relationships and trust between the two allies. Orejel, a native of Texas, is a rifleman with 2d Battalion, 7th Marines. 2/7 is forward deployed in the Indo-Pacific under 4th Marine Regiment, 3d Marine Division as part of the Unit Deployment Program. Marine Corps

Competing at PEACEKEEPER CHALLENGE '96, US Air Force SENIOR AIRMAN Kim-Xuam Brewer swings onto a log. Fourteen security police teams representing 12 Air Force major commands, the Royal Air Force and the Canadian Forces Air Command, fought it out during a week of grueling competition called PEACEKEEPER CHALLENGE. This image was used in the January 1996 issue of AIRMAN Magazine. Subject Operation/Series: PEACEKEEPER CHALLENGE '96 Base: Kirtland Air Force Base State: New Mexico (NM) Country: United States Of America (USA)

SWAT Team Officer Rappelling from Building

California Air National Guard (ANG) Pararescueman MASTER Sergeant Larry Hiyakumoto and Technical Sergeant Jeff Borg of the 129 Air National Guard Unit, Moffett Federal Airfield, California sit inside an MC-130 "Combat Shadow" aircraft just before parachuting into the Pacific ocean. The 129th is preparing to conduct a training rescue operation in the Pacific Ocean. Country: Pacific Ocean (POC)

A U.S. Army UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter assigned to the Colorado Army National Guard flies to perform a water drop while fighting the Black Forest Fire near Colorado Springs, Colo., June 12, 2013. The Black Hawks, which were sent from the Army Aviation Support Facility at Buckley Air Force Base in Aurora, Colo., performed the water drops using helicopter buckets that could carry up to 500 gallons of water. The Black Hawks could make more than 20 drops before refueling. The Black Forest Fire started June 11, 2013, northeast of Colorado Springs, burning scores of homes and forcing large-scale evacuations. The Colorado National Guard and U.S. Air Force Reserve assisted in firefighting efforts.

Members of the A-10 recovery team climb to the upper debris field to begin a subsurface search using their Schonstadt Magnetic Influence Detectors. Base: Gold Dust Peak State: Colorado (CO) Country: United States Of America (USA)

031215-F-7234P-003. Base: Baghdad International Airport Country: Iraq (IRQ) Scene Major Command Shown: 447TH AIR EXPEDITIONARY GROUP

DF-ST-87-07485. Subject Operation/Series: GALLANT EAGLE '86 Base: March Air Force Base State: California (CA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

1827th Engineering Installations Squadron members set-up the Televised Optical Surveillance System antenna at the Korean Operational Tactical Air Range (KOTAR). The KOTAR, assigned to the 51st Services Squadron, is under construction during Exercise Commando Crest. Subject Operation/Series: COMMANDO CREST Country: South Korea

Alaska Army National Guardsmen with the 2-211th General Support Aviation Battalion travel from Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson to Nome, Alaska, via UH-60L Black Hawk helicopter April 11, 2022. The UH-60L Black Hawk helicopters will remain in Nome for Golf Company, Detachment 1, 2-211th GSAB to conduct annual training and aide in River Watch if needed this spring. Should there be significant flooding or other emergency in the vicinity, the helicopters will provide support as requested by the State. (Alaska National Guard photo by 1st Lt. Balinda ONeal)

Xander Bianchi, top center, a technical rigging instructor from Ouray, Colorado, demonstrates the use of climbing tools and techniques to U.S. Air Force tactical air control party specialists assigned to Detachment 1, 3rd Air Support Operations Squadron, Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, during mountaineering training at Sunshine Ridge, Alaska, July 20, 2022. The 3rd ASOS special warfare Airmen utilize Alaskas varied and austere training locations to prepare for conditions they may face on deployment.

A Coast Guard cadet climbs the rigging aboard Coast Guard Cutter Eagle while the tall ship transits ashore to Galveston, Texas, June 10, 2022. Homeported at the Coast Guard Academy in New London, Connecticut, the Eagle visited Galveston for the first time since 1972.

Damage Controlman 3rd Class Chase Leonard, left, assigned to the Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Ramage (DDG 61), smiles for a photo during a damage control training evolution as part of the Gerald R. Ford Carrier Strike Group, Oct. 12, 2022. The first-in-class aircraft carrier USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN 78) is on its inaugural deployment conducting training and operations alongside NATO Allies and partners to enhance integration for future operations and demonstrate the U.S. Navys commitment to a peaceful, stable and conflict free Atlantic region.

A U.S. Marine with 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, jumps from the catwalk during a swim call aboard USS New Orleans (LPD 18) in the South China Sea, Sept. 25, 2022. The 31st MEU is operating aboard ships of the Tripoli Amphibious Ready Group in the 7th fleet area of operations to enhance interoperability with allies and partners and serve as a ready response force to defend peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific Region.

120130-N-BC134-135 ARABIAN SEA (Jan. 30, 2012) Damage Controlman 2nd Class Michael Johnson performs training on search and rescue techniques aboard the guided-missile cruiser USS Bunker Hill (CG 52). Bunker Hill is deployed to the western Pacific.

Xander Bianchi, a technical rigging instructor from Ouray, Colorado, demonstrates the use of climbing tools and techniques to tactical air control party specialists assigned to Detachment 1, 3rd Air Support Operations Squadron, Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, during mountaineering training at Sunshine Ridge, Alaska, July 20, 2022. 3rd ASOS Airmen utilize Alaskas varied and austere training locations to prepare for conditions that may be faced on deployment.

US Army recruits climb a ladder on the obstacle course. Country: Unknown

010613-A-7788K-001. Base: Fort Carson State: Colorado (CO) Country: United States Of America (USA) Scene Major Command Shown: FORSCOM

A U.S. Army Paratrooper runs and drags his MC-6 parachute towards the objective on Glen Rock Drop Zone during Leapfest 2022 at Exeter, Rhode Island, August 6, 2022. Leapfest is the largest, longest standing, international static line parachute training event and competition hosted by the 56th Troop Command, Rhode Island Army National Guard to promote high level technical training and esprit de corps within the International Airborne community.

Spc. Aaron Fiscelli of Saint Claire, Michigan, a Health Care Specialist with the Michigan National Guards 1171st Medical Company Area Support Company takes on the obstacle course during the Region IV Best Warrior Competition on May 14, 2022. He is one of twelve National Guard Soldiers competing in the Region IV Best Warrior Competition May 11-15, 2022, at Camp Ripley, Minnesota. The annual competition tests the military skills, physical strength and endurance of the top Soldiers and noncommissioned officers from the Minnesota, Wisconsin, Iowa, Illinois, Michigan, Indiana, and Ohio National Guards. The winners will move on to compete in the National Guards competition on July 20-30, 2022, at Camp Smyrna, Tennessee. (Minnesota National Guard photo by Staff Sgt. Sydney Mariette.)

A Paratrooper with 1st Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Division, jumps from a UH-60M Black Hawk helicopter during training Dec. 2, 2010, at Fort Bragg, N.C. At left are parachutes from the same helicopter already open.

DF-ST-89-01909. Base: Andrews Air Force Base State: Maryland (MD) Country: United States Of America (USA)

041021-F-1601R-012. Base: Mcchord Air Force Base State: Washington (WA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Daniel Webber, an Arctic Skills Training course student assigned to the 773rd Civil Engineering Squadron, builds a shelter during the first iteration of the Arctic Skills Training Course at Camp Mad Bull, Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska, March 22, 2023. This course was designed to help Airmen at JBER learn Arctic survival skills, become comfortable with the harsh conditions, and be prepared for emergency situations.

Wisconsin National Guardsmen are hoisted by the 104th Aviation Unit out of Madison, Wisconsin during a Wisconsin Chemical Biological Radiological Nuclear Enhanced Response Force Package exercise May 14, 2022 at the Fox Valley Technical College, Public Safety Training Center, Appleton, Wisconsin. The exercise included setting up a field medical site, providing search and rescue for casualties, and hoisting casualties via UH-60 Blackhawk helicopters to the field medical site to be treated.

DF-ST-86-10055. Base: Sapporo Country: Japan (JPN)

Coast Guard National Strike Force member during search and rescue operations on Sept. 29, 2022 in Fort Myers Beach, Florida. Coast Guard strike force teams mobilized to areas affected by Hurricane Ian to perform urban search and rescue.

Soldiers participate in airborne training at Fort Benning in Columbus, GA. April 2010

Search and Rescue Operations - 26-HK-260-88. Hurricane Katrina

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